Ocean-space collaboration for maritime safety and security
Seven companies and OPRI launch the Satellite VDES Consortium in JapanTOKYO, October 13, 2022 — IHI Corporation, MOL Techno-Trade, Ltd., Furuno ElectricCo., Ltd., ArkEdge Space Inc., TST Corporation, Japan Radio Co., Ltd. (JRC), Mitsui & Co.,
Ltd. and the Ocean Policy Research Institute (OPRI) of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation(SPF) have launched the Satellite VDES Consortium to support efforts to meet the growing
demand for a more reliable and accessible infrastructure for digital communication at sea.
The inaugural meeting of the consortium was held on October 13, 2022, following theapproval of the official rules and the appointment of chair and co-chairs. Mr. Akira SHISA(IHI Corporation) was assigned as chair of the consortium, Mr. Yoshihiro SANO (MOLTechno-Trade, Ltd.) and Mr. Ichiya OGINO (Furuno Electric Co., Ltd.) as co-chairs, andOPRI as secretariat. The advice from several experts in related fields to this consortium wasalso confirmed.

Consortium members at the preparatory meeting (Sept. 15, 2022)
Advisors of Satellite VDES Consortium, *Scheduled for confirmation
NameAffiliation

Koichi KATO

Executive Director, Japan Ship Technology Research Association

Toru SATO*Professor, Department of Ocean Technology, Policy, and Environment,
Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo

Ryosuke SHIBASAKI*Professor, Center for Spatial Information Science, The University ofTokyo

Ruri SHOJI

Executive Director/Vice-President/Professor, Tokyo University ofMarine Science and Technology

Atsushi SUNAMI

Executive Advisor to the President/Adjunct Professor, National Graduate
Institute for Policy Studies

Shinichi Nakasuka

Professor, Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, School ofEngineering, The University of Tokyo

Satellite VDESThe VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) is a revolutionary maritime digitalcommunication system to construct a network connecting vessels at sea and ports. VDES
can provide two-way communication and up to 32 times higher data rates than Automatic
Identification System (AIS), the current system used to identify vessels for logistics andshipping management. Furthermore, VDES communication via satellite is expected toimprove maritime safety and security on a global scale and support real-time navigation andcommunication.
Satellite VDES Consortium
The Satellite VDES Consortium aims to create a platform to facilitate thecommercialization and promotion of Satellite VDES through partnerships betweenindustry, academia, and government. The consortium’s work is expected to enhance Japan’s
presence in the international maritime community and to accelerate digital transformation(DX) in the ocean sector. Activities will include discussions on the use-case and businessmodel, on-site experiments of terrestrial VDES, and development of application services
utilizing these satellites.

Conceptual image of Satellite VDES use-cases

Ocean Policy Research Institute (OPRI), Sasakawa Peace Foundation(https://www.spf.org/en/opri/)
OPRI is a think tank that conducts ocean policy research, makes policy recommendations,and disseminates information in order to comprehensively and systematically address theocean challenges facing Japan and the world. As part of this work, OPRI conducts researchon the sharing of ocean observation platforms and the spread of satellite communications toenhance marine security and maritime domain awareness, with the aim of building amaritime digital society.
IHI Corporation (https://www.ihi.co.jp/en/)
IHI, as a comprehensive heavy industry group, is committed to solving customers' problems
using the company’s engineering capabilities centered on manufacturing technology. IHI isalso engaged in space utilization business using satellite information and data, based on themanagement philosophy of "contributing to social development through technology" inorder to create a world where nature and technology work in unity.
MOL Techno-Trade, Ltd. (https://www.motech.co.jp/en/)
MOL Techno-Trade, Ltd. is a company within the MOL Group that functions as atechnology-specialized trading company, and is engaged in a wide range of businesses,
including the sale of Propeller Boss Cap Fins (PBCF), which are energy-saving devices;
procurement of fuel, lubricants, ship parts, and materials; and the management andmaintenance of national oil terminals. The company aims to be the No.1 technologyspecialized trading company that contributes to environmental protection and maritime
safety while developing maritime business.
Furuno Electric Co., Ltd. (https://www.furuno.co.jp/en/)With sensing and information processing technologies at its core, the company's main
business is the manufacture and sale of electronic equipment for marine and industrial use
including healthcare, communication, disaster prevention, and monitoring solutions. Witha business vision of "achieving better safety, security and comfort to bring about a society
and sea navigation that considers the needs of people and the environment," the company
will continue to contribute to customers and society.
ArkEdge Space Inc. (https://arkedgespace.com/en)
The company’s mission is to bring the benefits of satellite development and utilization to all
people through the design, development, and operation of nano-satellite constellation
systems. Through the realization of early in-orbit demonstration of VDES satellites, thecompany contributes to the establishment of the basic infrastructure for future ship
identification, safe navigation, and maritime digitalization.
TST Corporation (https://www.toyoshingo.co.jp/en/)
TST Corporation provides a variety of information on vessel movements and ports togovernment agencies and companies involved in maritime transportation and port
operations/construction. The company also contributes to safe and smooth operation ofvessels and ports through port radio operations and services related to port bay
management at ports nationwide, and respond to the era of digital transformation.
Japan Radio Co., Ltd. (https://www.jrc.co.jp/eng/)
For more than 100 years, Japan Radio Co., Ltd. has been providing navigational equipmentthat contributes to the safety and security of the world's oceans. In recent years, thecompany has been actively promoting initiatives to "digitize the entire ocean and make allof people involved in the ocean happy", such as the realization of Autonomous Ship
Systems and Marine Solution Services through ship-land communications as part of theDigital Transformation (DX) approach to the ocean.
Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (https://www.mitsui.com/jp/en/index.html)
Mitsui & Co., Ltd. is developing its business units including mineral and metal resources,
energy, machinery and infrastructure, chemicals, iron and steel products, lifestyle, andinnovation and corporate development, utilizing its worldwide sales offices, networks, andinformation capabilities. In 2018, the company re-entered the space business and iscurrently engaged satellite development and launch, space station utilization, and groundstation projects.